AWKA-
EARLY morning rains welcomed the body of the late literary giant,
Professor Chinua Achebe to Anambra State as the people prepare to troupe
into the famous Alex Ekwueme square in the state capital to attend
ceremonies lined up for him by the state government and the burial
committees.
The light rains began at about 6.00am as those involved in final preparations to get the square ready were already out for work. The Ekwueme square has already been decorated and the podium where Achebe’s body would lie in state is also set.
Loudspeakers are also in place and a large number of security operatives had taken positions as at 7.00 am. Members of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, were already directing traffic to appropriate places.
The section where the officiating priests for the church service to be held at the square and other dignitaries would sit are also in place as protocol officers of the Anambra State worked round the clock to get the place ready.
The
Amansea border between Enugu and Anambra states is set to host another
large crowd as it did during the burial of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, with many people wearing T-Shirts bearing
Achebe’s photograph driving towards the border.
Details of today’s ceremonies show that apart from the church service which will be presided by the Anglican Bishop of Awka at the Ekwueme square, there would be cultural dances and speeches by selected personalities.
After the Awka ceremonies, the body of Achebe would move in a motorcade to his country home in Ikenga Ogidi later in the day for the commencement of final burial activities.
It is expected that several Anglican Bishops and a representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury will participate at the church service at St. Philip’s Church, Akpakaogwe, Ogidi on Thursday.
The light rains began at about 6.00am as those involved in final preparations to get the square ready were already out for work. The Ekwueme square has already been decorated and the podium where Achebe’s body would lie in state is also set.
Loudspeakers are also in place and a large number of security operatives had taken positions as at 7.00 am. Members of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, were already directing traffic to appropriate places.
The section where the officiating priests for the church service to be held at the square and other dignitaries would sit are also in place as protocol officers of the Anambra State worked round the clock to get the place ready.
Women
Wing of Ogidi Union during the airport reception for the Late
Playwright, Prof Chinua Achebe at the Private Wing, Nnamdi Azikiwe
International Airport, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.
Details of today’s ceremonies show that apart from the church service which will be presided by the Anglican Bishop of Awka at the Ekwueme square, there would be cultural dances and speeches by selected personalities.
After the Awka ceremonies, the body of Achebe would move in a motorcade to his country home in Ikenga Ogidi later in the day for the commencement of final burial activities.
It is expected that several Anglican Bishops and a representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury will participate at the church service at St. Philip’s Church, Akpakaogwe, Ogidi on Thursday.
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